Adaptive 3-d shuttering devices

ABSTRACT

Controlling a shuttering device. A method includes detecting from a use environment a set of encoded signals for use in controlling a shuttering device. The set of encoded signals are analyzed to determine an encoding scheme for the set of encoded signals. The encoded signals are prospectively decoded in the environment according to the determined encoding scheme to control the shuttering device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Stage Applicationcorresponding to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/032549, filedApr. 14, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/416,708, filed Nov. 23, 2010, entitled “3D VIDEO CONVERTER.” Thepresent application is also a continuation-in-part of: PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/025262, filed Feb. 17, 2011, entitled“BLANKING INTER-FRAME TRANSITIONS OF A 3D SIGNAL;” PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/027175, filed Mar. 4, 2011, entitled“FORMATTING 3D CONTENT FOR LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS;” PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/027933, filed Mar. 10, 2011, entitled“DISPLAYING 3D CONTENT ON LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS;” PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/027981, filed Mar. 10, 2011, entitled“SHUTTERING THE DISPLAY OF INTER-FRAME TRANSITIONS;” and PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/031115, filed Apr. 4, 2011, entitled “DEVICEFOR DISPLAYING 3D CONTENT ON LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS.” The entirecontent of each of the foregoing applications is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to systems, methods, and computer programproducts related to conversion and presentation of three-dimensionalvideo content.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Three-dimensional (3D) display technology involves presentingtwo-dimensional images in such a manner that the images appear to thehuman brain to be 3D. The process typically involves presenting “left”image data to the left eye, and “right” image data to the right eye.When received, the brain perceives this data as a 3D image. 3D displaytechnology generally incorporates the use of a filtering device orblanking device, such as glasses, which filter displayed image data tothe correct eye. Filtering devices can be passive, meaning that imagedata is filtered passively (e.g., by color code or by polarization), oractive, meaning that the image data is filtered actively (e.g., byshuttering).

Recently, 3D display devices designed specifically for displaying 3Dcontent have become increasingly popular. These 3D display devices aregenerally used in connection with active filtering devices (e.g.,shuttering glasses) to produce 3D image quality not previously availablefrom traditional display devices. These 3D display devices, however, areoften based on proprietary signals and shuttering patterns. For example,one manufacturer of 3D display devices may display right eye informationfor a frame before left eye information for the frame while anothermanufacturer may display left eye information for a frame before righteye information for the frame. Other timing and signal protocoldifferences may exist as well. However, hardware for 3D display devices,including the active shuttering glasses, may be expensive.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodimentsdescribed herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment illustrated herein is directed to a method of controllinga shuttering device. The method includes detecting from a useenvironment a set of encoded signals for use in controlling a shutteringdevice. The set of encoded signals are analyzed to determine an encodingscheme for the set of encoded signals. The encoded signals areprospectively decoded in the environment according to the determinedencoding scheme to control the shuttering device.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of theinvention will be set forth in the description which follows, and inpart will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantagesof such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of theinstruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. These and other features will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that thefigures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structureor function are generally represented by like reference numerals forillustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic state diagram of a method of shutteringthree-dimensional (3D) content in accordance with one or moreimplementations of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a timing diagram demonstrating a received shutteringsignal and corresponding displayed 3D content in accordance with one ormore implementations of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a shuttering device inaccordance with one or more implementations of the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for receivingupdated encoding scheme information from a service;

FIG. 4B illustrates another schematic diagram of a system for receivingupdated encoding scheme information from a service;

FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for receivingupdated encoding scheme information over the same channel as encodedsignals are received;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for viewing 3Dcontent in accordance with one or more implementations of the invention;and

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of controlling a shuttering device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some implementations described herein are directed to shutteringdevices, such as 3D shuttering glasses, that are configured to work withvarious different manufacturers and protocols, such that a singleshuttering device can be adaptively used for different display devicesor content devices. Some embodiments allow the shuttering devices tostore information about different encoding schemes for 3D shutteringsignals. The shuttering devices can detect encoded signals in anenvironment. The detected encoded signals can be compared to storedencoding schemes to determine the encoding scheme for the detectedencoded signals. The encoding scheme can then be used by the shutteringdevices to control shuttering of the shuttering devices according toencoded signals in the environment.

Some embodiments may further include functionality for obtaining newencoding schemes at the shuttering devices. For example, the shutteringdevices may detect encoded signals in an environment. The shutteringdevices may determine that they do not have a stored encoding schemecorresponding to the detected encoded signals. The shuttering devicescan then obtain an appropriate encoding scheme corresponding to thedetected encoded signals. The obtained encoding scheme can then be usedto control shuttering of the shuttering devices according to encodedsignals in the environment.

Encoding schemes can be obtained by the shuttering devices in a numberof different ways. For example, the shuttering devices may includenetwork connectivity capabilities. For example, the shuttering devicesmay include a wireless network transceiver, such as an 802.11a, b, n org transceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver. The shuttering devices canconnect to a network using the transceiver. Through the network, theshuttering devices may be able to provide information about the detectedsignals to a service. The service may be able to determine the encodingscheme for the detected signals. The service can then provide theencoding scheme to the shuttering devices. In an alternative embodiment,the service can periodically provide additional encoding schemes to theshuttering devices as they become available without a request from theshuttering devices. In yet another alternative embodiment, theshuttering devices may be updated over the same channel as encodedsignals are received, such as infrared or Bluetooth. These embodimentswill be discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 1, for example, illustrates a schematic state diagram forshuttering 3D content in accordance with one or more implementations ofthe present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates that one ormore shuttering devices 116 can shutter (or obfuscate) the display of 3Dcontent at a display device 108. In one or more implementations, theshuttering device 116 can comprise stereoscopic shuttering glasses thatinclude two or more shuttering components 118, 120, which are capable ofselectively obfuscating all or part of a wearer's view of the displaydevice 108. In one or more implementations, the shuttering componentscorrespond to lenses or portions of lenses of shuttering glasses. Asdiscussed more fully herein after, a shuttering signal can control theshuttering device 116.

FIG. 1 illustrates that shuttering 3D content can include at least threedifferent shuttering states 102, 104, and 106. In state 102, forexample, the shuttering device 116 can process a shuttering instruction124 (blank right) received from a video processing device 122. Asinstructed by the shuttering instruction 124, the shuttering device 116can use a shuttering component 120 to shutter all or part of the user'sright eye view of the display device 108. Additionally, the shutteringdevice 116 can place shuttering component 118 in an un-shuttered or openstate, allowing the user's left eye to view the video frame 110displayed by the display device 108. State 102 may correspond to atleast a portion of a period of time in which the display device 108displays a video frame 110, which comprises 3D video content intendedfor viewing by the user's left eye.

Similarly, in state 106, the shuttering device 116 can process ashuttering instruction 128 (blank left) received from the videoprocessing device 122. In response, the shuttering device 116 can use ashuttering component 118 to shutter all or part of the user's left eyeview of the display device 108. Additionally, the shuttering device 116can place shuttering component 120 in an un-shuttered or open state,allowing the user's right eye to view the video frame 114 displayed bythe display device 108. State 106 may correspond to at least a portionof a period of time in which the display device 108 displays a videoframe 114 comprising 3D video content intended for viewing by the user'sright eye.

One will appreciate that states 102 and 106 are not limited toshuttering left and right eyes in the manner illustrated. For instance,in state 102, the shuttering device 116 can use the shuttering component118 to shutter the viewer's left eye during display of right eyecontent. Furthermore, in state 106, the shuttering device 116 can usethe shuttering component 120 to shutter the viewer's right eye duringdisplay of left eye content. It will be appreciated, then, that states102, 104, 106 should not be interpreted as necessarily occurring in theillustrated order.

In state 104, the shuttering device 116 can process and respond to aninter-frame shuttering instruction 126 (blank both) by using bothshuttering components 118, 120 to concurrently shutter the user's leftand right eye views of the display device 108. State 104 may correspondto at least a portion a frame transition period in which the displaydevice 108 transitions between displaying two video frames. Forinstance, the display device 108 might be transitioning from display ofthe “left eye” video frame 110 to the “right eye” video frame 114, orvice versa. Thus, in one or more implementations, the display device 108displays a frame transition 112, in which the display device 108concurrently displays at least a portion of two or more different videoframes (e.g., video frame 110 and video frame 114). By shuttering bothof the user's eyes during display of the frame transition 112, theshuttering device 116 can prevent the user from viewing all or part ofthe frame transition 112 during all or part of the frame transitionperiod.

One will appreciate that the appropriate shuttering of a single eye, asin states 102 and 106, synchronous with the display of appropriate 3Dvideo content, can provide the illusion that two-dimensional images areactually 3D. Furthermore, inter-frame shuttering, or the synchronousshuttering of both eyes during frame transition periods, can enhance theclarity of the perceived 3D image. For example, inter-frame shutteringcan reduce or eliminate undesirable effects such as motion blurring andghosting. Thus, the disclosed inter-frame shuttering techniques canallow for viewing 3D content on display devices that may have lowerframe-rates and/or longer frame overlap or transition periods.

FIG. 2 shows a timing diagram 200 demonstrating a received shutteringsignal 204 and corresponding displayed 3D content 202 in accordance withat least one implementation. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates asnapshot of time that includes a plurality of time periods (e.g., timeperiods 206, 208, 210, 212, 214) during which the shuttering device 116receives the shuttering signal 204 and shutters displayed 3D content.The horizontal ellipses 216 and 218 indicate that any number ofadditional time periods can extend to any point before or after theillustrated snapshot. As illustrated, the displayed 3D content 202 cancomprise a plurality of video frames 110, 114, 222 as well as pluralityof frame transitions 112, 220. Correspondingly, the received shutteringsignal 204 can comprise a plurality of shuttering instructions 124, 126,128 that instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter the user's viewof the displayed 3D content 202.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the shuttering device 116 can receive ashuttering instruction 124 (“BR,” or blank right) in connection with a“left eye” video frame 110 of the displayed 3D content 202. Thisinstruction can instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter the user'sright eye during all or part of the time period 206 in which the displaydevice 108 displays the “left eye” video frame 110. In response, theshuttering device 116 can shutter the shuttering component 120 duringall or part of the time period 206. The shuttering device 116 can open,or un-obscure, the other shuttering component 118 during all or part ofthe time period 206, allowing the viewer to view the left eye videoframe 110 with the left eye.

The shuttering device 116 can also receive an inter-frame shutteringinstruction 126 (“BB,” or blank both) in connection with a frametransition 112 of the displayed 3D content 202. The frame transition 112may occur as a result of the display device 108 transitioning betweendisplay of the “left eye” video frame 110 and a “right eye” video frame114. The inter-frame shuttering instruction 126, can instruct theshuttering device 116 to concurrently shutter both of the user's eyesduring all or part of the time period 208 in which the display device108 displays the frame transition 112. In response, the shutteringdevice 116 can shutter both of shuttering components 118, 120 duringall, or part of, the time period 208, preventing the viewer from seeingall or part of the frame transition 112 with either eye.

In addition, the shuttering device can receive a shuttering instruction128 (“BL,” or blank left) in connection with the “right eye” video frame114 of the displayed 3D content 202. This instruction 128 can instructthe shuttering device 116 to shutter the user's left eye during all orpart of the time period 210 in which the display device 108 displays the“right eye” video frame 114. This may occur, for example, after thedisplay device 108 fully transitions to display of the “right eye” videoframe 114. In response, the shuttering device 116 can shutter theshuttering component 118 during all or part of the time period 210. Theshuttering device 116 can open, or un-obscure, the other shutteringcomponent 120 during all or part of the time period 210, allowing theviewer to view the right eye video frame 114 with the right eye.

Additionally, in time periods 212 and 214, the display device 108 cansubsequently pass through another frame transition 220 to displayanother left video frame 222. In connection therewith, the shutteringsignal 204 can include appropriate shuttering instructions 126, 124. Inresponse to which, the shuttering device can shutter the appropriateshuttering components 118, 120.

FIG. 2 shows that the displayed 3D content 202 comprises a series ofalternating left and right video frames (in any order), and that theshuttering signal 204 comprises an appropriate corresponding sequence ofshuttering instructions 124, 126, 128. One will appreciate in view ofthe disclosure herein, however, that one or more implementations extendto shuttering any sequence of video frames. In one or moreimplementations, for example, the displayed 3D content 202 comprisesdiffering sequences of left and right video frames (e.g., left, left,right, right). In one or more other implementations, the displayed 3Dcontent 202 comprises only video frames intended for viewing with botheyes. In yet other implementations, the displayed 3D content 202comprises a combination of different video frame types. One combination,for instance, can include both video frames intended for viewing withboth eyes, as well as video frames intended for viewing with a singleeye.

Thus, one will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that theshuttering signal 204 can include any appropriate sequence of shutteringinstructions that correspond to the displayed 3D content 202. Forinstance, if displayed 3D content 202 includes a different sequence ofleft and right video frames, the shuttering signal 204 can include anappropriate different sequence of shuttering instructions. Furthermore,the shuttering signal 204 can depart from the illustrated shutteringinstructions. For example, shuttering signal 204 can refrain fromshuttering during one or more frame transition time periods.Furthermore, shuttering signal 204 can include any number of additionalshuttering instructions, such a shuttering instruction that does noshuttering (e.g., when the display device 108 displays a video frameintended for viewing with both eyes).

In one or more implementations, the shuttering device 116 receives theshuttering signal 204 prior to the display of the 3D content 202 by thedisplay device 108. Thus, the shuttering device 116 may store (e.g.,cache) at least a portion of the shuttering signal 204 prior toperforming any instructed shuttering. In additional implementations, theshuttering device 116 receives the shuttering signal 204 concurrently(or substantially concurrently) with the display of the 3D content 202by the display device 108. Furthermore, in some instances, theshuttering instructions of the shuttering signal 204 can instruct theshuttering device 116 to shutter entire time periods. One willappreciate, however, that the shuttering instructions can also instructthe shuttering device 116 to shutter only a portion of a correspondingtime period. Furthermore, the shuttering signal 204 can also instructthe shuttering device 116 to shutter more than a corresponding timeperiod.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a shuttering device 116 inaccordance with one or more implementations. As noted herein above, theshuttering device 116 may, in one or more implementations, take the formof shuttering glasses worn by a user. In alternative implementations,the shuttering device 116 can take any appropriate alternate form thatcan filter displayed 3D content in the manner disclosed. For example,the shuttering components 118, 116 may take the form of shutteringcontact lenses (or other eye shield with separated left and rightlenses) wirelessly coupled with other appropriate components.Accordingly, none of the disclosure herein should be viewed as limitingthe shuttering device 116 to glasses. Furthermore, none of thedisclosure herein should be viewed as limiting the shuttering components118, 116 to physically separated components.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the shuttering device 116 can include a receiver302. In one or more implementations, and as illustrated, the receiver302 can comprise a wireless receiver (e.g., Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, infrared,etc). The receiver 302 can, in other implementations, comprise a wiredreceiver (e.g., optical digital signals, electronic wire digitalsignals, electronic wire analog signals, etc). In any event, thereceiver 302 can receive a shuttering signal 204. As illustrated, theshuttering signal 204 can comprise a plurality of shutteringinstructions 124, 126, 128, etc. In one or more embodiments, theshuttering signal 204 comprises a digital signal which includes aplurality of data packets. In such instances, each of the data packetscan include one or more shuttering instructions. In one or more otherembodiments, the shuttering signal 204 comprises an analog signal whichcan encode the shuttering instructions as a waveform. For example, theshuttering instructions may comprise frequency shift keyed (FSK) signalsor phase shift keyed signals (PSK) indicating shutter state. Forexample, in a FSK embodiment, four frequency shift range deviations maybe used to indicate one of four states corresponding to no eyesshuttered, right eye shuttered left eye un-shuttered, both eyesshuttered, and left eye shuttered right eye un-shuttered. Similarly, inPSK four phase shift ranges may be used, for example 0-90°, 91° to 180°,181° to 270°, and 271° to 359°.

In any event, the receiver 302 can communicate the shuttering signal 302as a whole, or the shuttering instructions individually, to a processingcomponent 308. FIG. 3 illustrates that the processing component 308 caninclude a plurality of subsidiary processing components or modules, suchas a shuttering signal processor 310 and a user input processor 312. Asillustrated by the arrows between the shuttering signal processor 310and the user input processor 312, any of the subsidiary components ormodules of the processing component 308 can be communicatively coupledin any appropriate manner. Further, as illustrated by the verticalellipses between the shuttering signal processor 310 and the user inputprocessor 312, the processing component 308 can include any number ofadditional subsidiary components or modules, as appropriate.

Illustratively, the processing component 308 can use the shutteringsignal processor 310 to identify shuttering instructions in theshuttering signal 302. Once identified, the shuttering signal processor310 can instruct one or more of the shuttering components 118, 120 toalter a shuttering state (e.g., shuttered or not shuttered), asappropriate for the shuttering instruction. The shuttering signalprocessor 310 can use any number of other processing components ormodules to perform the processing and to instruct the shutteringcomponents. For instance, when the shuttering signal processor 310identifies an inter-frame shuttering instruction 126, the shutteringsignal processor 310 can instruct both the shuttering components 118,120 to enter a shuttered state. If one or more of the shutteringcomponents 118, 120 is already in the shuttered state, the shutteringsignal processor 310 can instruct the shuttering component to remain inthe shuttered state.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that the shuttering device 116 can includeadditional components, such a transmitter 304 and a user input component314. The shuttering device 116 can communicate with one or more otherdevices via the transmitter 304. For example, the shuttering device 116can use the transmitter 304, to communicate with other shutteringdevices, the video processing device 122, the display device 108, theInternet, etc. In one or more implementations, the shuttering devicecombines the transmitter 304 and the receiver 302 as a single component,while in one or more other implementations the transmitter 304 and thereceiver 302 are separate components. The transmitter can transmit anoutput signal 306 that can be separate from or combined with theshuttering signal 204 and that can contain one or more instructions orpackets 320. Similar to the receiver 302, the transmitter 304 can alsouse any wired or wireless communications mechanism, analog or digital.

The user input component 314 can comprise any means for receiving userinput, including any combination of one or more buttons, switches, touchdevices, microphones, cameras, light sensing devices, pressure sensingdevices, etc. The user input processor 312 can process user inputreceived via the user input component 314.

The user input can comprise any appropriate type of user input, and theshuttering device 116 can use the user input in any appropriate manner.For example, user input may comprise volume control, selection of ashuttering signal type, user feedback to be sent to another device(e.g., the video processing device 122), selection of a mode of theshuttering device (e.g., on, off, standby, configuration, update), etc.

As illustrated by the vertical ellipses between the user input component314 and an “other” component 322, the shuttering device 116 can includeany number of additional components. The additional components cancommunicate with the processing component 308 or any other componentwhere appropriate. Additional components may include, for example, oneor more speakers, a power source, lights, one or more microphones, etc.When additional components are present, components already discussed maybe modified accordingly. For instance, when the other components includespeakers, the receiver 302 can also receive an analog or digital audiosignal, either as part of the shuttering signal 204 or as a separatesignal. Then, the processing component 308 may include an audio decoderwhich sends a decoded audio signal to the speakers.

In one or more implementations, the other component(s) 322 can include ashuttering signal continuity component, which ensures that shutteringoccurs, even for intermittent shuttering signals 204 or when theshuttering signal 204 is lost. For instance, the shuttering signalcontinuity component can implement a phase lock loop (or any similarlogic) that analyzes the shuttering signal 204 and generates areplacement signal at the shuttering device 116, when appropriate. Theanalysis can include determining average sequence and timing informationabout the shuttering instructions contained in the shuttering signal204, and developing a model of this information. Then, the shutteringsignal continuity component can use phase lock loop (or other logic) togenerate a series of substitute shuttering instructions that areestimated to duplicate any shuttering instructions that would have beenreceived if the shuttering signal 204 had not been lost. These generatedshuttering instructions can be used to control the shuttering components118, 120 in the absence of the shuttering signal 204. When theshuttering signal 204 is regained, the shuttering signal continuitycomponent can synchronize the generated substitute shutteringinstructions with the shuttering signal 204. In some embodiments, whenthe shuttering signal 204 is again detected in the environment,re-synching can be done at the shuttering device 116 to correct for anytime, frequency, or phase drift that may have occurred when theshuttering signal 204 is not present in the environment.

The shuttering signal 204 may be lost for a variety of reasons, such asphysical or electromagnetic interference, loss of signal strength,insufficient transmission bandwidth, etc. For example, if the shutteringsignal 204 is transmitted via an infrared transmission, the shutteringsignal 204 may be lost if a person or animal walks between the wearer ofshuttering glasses and the transmission source, if the wearer turns hisor her head, etc. Similarly, if the shuttering signal 204 is transmittedvia a BLUETOOTH or Wi-Fi transmission, the shuttering signal 204 may belost due to interference on the same frequency as the transmission(e.g., from a microwave oven or other wireless devices), if the wearermoves out of range, if data packets in the transmission arrive out oforder or delayed, etc.

In some embodiments, the shuttering signal may be intentionallyintermittent as a consequence of how the shuttering signal istransmitted. For example, in one embodiment, the shuttering signal 204may be transmitted using a Bluetooth interface. In one illustrativeexample, the shuttering signal 204 may be transmitted on an asynchronousBluetooth audio channel, such as an a2dp channel or other audio channel.The Bluetooth channel is a multiplexed channel, meaning that the channelis shared amongst a number of different entities resulting in periodswhere the shuttering signal 204 is not transmitted on the channel. Thus,by reconstructing shuttering instructions at the shuttering device 116,based on previously received shuttering instructions 124, 126, and/or128, control of the shuttering components 118 and 120 can be maintainedeven when the shuttering signal 204 is not being transmitted on thechannel. When the shuttering signal 204 is transmitted on the channel,re-synching can be done at the shuttering device 116 to correct for anytime, frequency, or phase drift that may have occurred when theshuttering signal 204 is not present in the environment.

The shuttering components 118, 120 can comprise any component that canselectively obfuscate/shutter all or a portion of a user's view of thedisplay device 108. For example, in one or more implementations theshuttering components 118, 120 can comprise one or more liquid crystallayers that respond to applied voltage. The liquid crystal layers canhave the property of becoming opaque (or substantially opaque) whenvoltage is applied (or, alternatively, when voltage is removed).Otherwise, the liquid crystal layers can have the property of beingtransparent (or substantially transparent) when voltage is removed (or,alternatively, when voltage is applied). One will recognize in view ofthe disclosure herein that liquid crystal layers are not the onlyavailable shuttering technology. For example, alternate electronicshuttering technologies (e.g., polarized lead lanthanum zirconatetitanate (PLZT)) and mechanical shuttering technologies are alsoavailable and within the scope of the disclosure herein.

In one or more implementations, the shuttering device 116 can comprise auniversal shuttering device. When the shuttering device 116 is auniversal device, the processing component 308 can include any number ofother processing components for identifying a signal type of theshuttering signal 204. Thus, the receiver 302 can receive any of anumber of types of shuttering signals 204, both analog and digital, andthe processing component 308 can determine the type of signal andprocess it accordingly.

Illustratively, FIG. 3 illustrates a storage device 318 storing encodingschemes. The stored encoding schemes stored in the storage device 318include information regarding how shuttering components 118 and 120 arecontrolled with respect to the shuttering signal 204 and shutteringinstructions 124, 126, and 128. This allows the shuttering device 116 tobe configured to work with various different manufacturers andprotocols, such that a single shuttering device 116 can be adaptivelyused for different devices. Thus, the storage device 318 storesinformation about different encoding schemes for 3D shuttering signals.The storage device 318 may be in one or more of a number of differentforms. For example, the storage device 318 may be some form ofnon-volatile storage, such as flash memory magnetic storage, etc.Alternatively or additionally, the storage device 318 may include one ormore volatile memory devices, such as DRAM or other appropriate volatilememory.

The shuttering device 116 can detect encoded signals, such as theshuttering signal 204, in an environment. The detected encoded signalscan be compared using the processing component 308 to encoding schemesstored in the storage device 318 to determine the encoding scheme forthe detected encoded signals. The determined encoding scheme can then beused by the shuttering device 116 to control shuttering of theshuttering components 118 and 120 according to encoded signals in theenvironment.

Some embodiments may further include functionality for obtaining newencoding schemes at the shuttering device 116 for storage on the storagedevice 318. For example, the shuttering device 116 may detect encodedsignals 204 in an environment. The shuttering device 116 may determinethat it does not have an encoding scheme stored at the storage device318 corresponding to the detected encoded signals 204. The shutteringdevice 116 can then obtain an appropriate encoding scheme correspondingto the detected encoded signals 204. The obtained encoding scheme canthen be used to control shuttering of the shuttering components 118 and120 according to encoded signals 204 in the environment.

Encoding schemes can be obtained by the shuttering devices in a numberof different ways. Reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which illustratesone way in which encoding schemes may be obtained. In the example,illustrated in FIG. 4A, the shuttering device 116 includes networkconnectivity capabilities. For example, the shuttering device 116 mayinclude a wireless network transceiver, such as an 802.11a, b, n or gtransceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver. The shuttering device 116 canconnect to a network using the transceiver. For example, FIG. 4Aillustrates that the shuttering device 116 connects to a router 402,which connects to a network 404. Through the network 404, the shutteringdevice 116 may be able to provide information 408 about the detectedsignals 204 to a service 406. The service 406 may be able to determinethe encoding scheme for the detected signals 204. The service 406 canthen provide the encoding scheme 410 to the shuttering device 116, whereit can be used by the shuttering device 116 to control the shutteringcomponents 118 and 120 (FIG. 3). Additionally, in some embodiments, theencoding scheme 408 can be stored to the storage device 318 where it canbe used for subsequent decoding of shuttering signals 204.

In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the service 406can provide additional encoding schemes 408 to the shuttering devices asthey become available without a request from the shuttering device 116.In particular, the shuttering device 116 may be configured to receiveupdates, such as firmware updates or other updates, from the service406. When the service 406 has those updates available, it may push themto the shuttering device 116.

In yet another alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4C, theshuttering device 116 may be updated over the same channel as encodedshuttering signals 204 are received. For example, FIG. 4C illustratesreceipt of an encoding scheme 410 over the same channel as a shutteringsignal 204 is received. For example, the channel may be infrared,Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or some other channel. Both the shuttering signal 204and additional encoding schemes 410 may be received over the channel.The encoding schemes 410 may be delivered as they become available atthe video processing device 122 or when requested by the shutteringdevice 116. The video processing device 122, or other similar devicethat delivers the encoding schemes 410 may receive the encoding schemes410 via network or other connections, including internet, local network,or signals embedded in television or radio signals.

In one or more implementations, the shuttering device 116 can comprise aconfigurable shuttering device. When the shuttering device 116 is aconfigurable shuttering device, the processing component 308 can includeany number of other processing components for receiving updates. Thus,the shuttering device 116 can receive any of a number of updates, suchas updates to processing components, updates to signal types, new signaltypes, etc.

The shuttering device 116 may be a battery operated device in that oneor more battery units may provide power for operating the variouselectronic components within the shuttering device 116. The batteryunits may be single use user replaceable batteries or rechargeablebatteries. In some embodiments, the rechargeable batteries may berecharged using mechanical electrical contacts. Alternatively,embodiments may use an inductive charging system. In particular, aninductive charging system may be used to couple inductive coils from acharger to inductive coils in the shuttering device. The inductive coilsin the shuttering device 116 may be coupled to charging circuitry, whichin turn is coupled to one or more battery units to charge the batteryunits.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 500 for viewing 3Dcontent, in accordance with one or more implementations. The system 500is one possible environment in which the shuttering techniques disclosedherein may be used. FIG. 5 illustrates that the system 500 can includethe video processing device 122, one or more shuttering devices 116, andthe display device 108. These devices can be separate or combined. Forinstance, in one or more implementations the video processing device 122and the display device 108 are separate units, while in one or moreother implementations these devices form a single unit.

In one or more implementations, the video processing device 122 receives3D content from a media device. The media device can comprise any numberof devices capable of transmitting 3D content to the video processingdevice 122. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates that the media device cancomprise a streaming source 508 (e.g., a satellite box, cable box, theInternet), a gaming device (e.g., device 510, or device 516), a storagemedia player device (e.g., Blu-Ray player 512, DVD player 514) capableof reading storage media 518, and the like. The video processing device122 can, itself, comprise one or more media devices.

The video processing device 122 can communicate with the display device108 and the shuttering device(s) 116 in any appropriate manner. Forinstance, an appropriate wired mechanism, such as HDMI, component,composite, coaxial, network, optical, and the like can couple the videoprocessing device 122 and the display device 108 together. Additionally,or alternatively, an appropriate wireless mechanism, such as BLUETOOTH,Wi-Fi, etc., can couple the video processing device 122 and the displaydevice 108 together. Furthermore, as discussed herein above, anyappropriate wired or wireless mechanism (e.g., BLUETOOTH, infrared,etc.) can couple the video processing device 122 and the shutteringdevice(s) 116 together.

The video processing device 122 can generate an appropriate outputsignal comprising 3D content received from a media device. For example,when the video processing device 122 and the display device 108 arecoupled via a digital mechanism (e.g., HDMI), the video processingdevice 122 can generate a digital output signal. On the other hand, whenthe video processing device 122 and the display device 108 are coupledvia an analog mechanism (e.g., component, composite or coaxial), thevideo processing device 122 can generate an analog output signal. Thevideo processing device 122 can process 3D content received from themedia device to convert the received 3D content to a format more suitedfor the particular display device 108. Additionally, the videoprocessing device 122 can generate and send a shuttering signal to theshuttering device(s) 116 that is synchronized to the output signal.

One will appreciate in view of the disclosure herein that the videoprocessing device 122 can take any of a variety of forms. For example,the video processing device 122 may be a set-top box or other customizedcomputing system. The video processing device 122 may also be a generalpurpose computing system (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer, atablet computer, etc.). Alternatively, the video processing device 122may be a special purpose computing system (e.g., a gaming console, aset-top box, etc.) that has been adapted to implement one or moredisclosed features.

The display device 108 can be any one of a broad range of displaydevices that incorporate a variety of display technologies, both currentand future (e.g., Cathode Ray, Plasma, LCD, LED, OLED). Furthermore, thedisplay device 108 can take any of a number of forms, such as atelevision set, a computer display (e.g., desktop computer monitor,laptop computer display, tablet computer display), a handheld display(e.g., cellular telephone, PDA, handheld gaming device, handheldmultimedia device), or any other appropriate form. While the displaydevice 108 can be a display device designed specifically to displaying3D content, the display device 108 can also be a more traditionaldisplay device, such as a lower frame-rate device. One will appreciatein light of the disclosure herein that the display device 108 caninclude both digital and analog display devices.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-5 provide a number of components and mechanisms forshuttering the display of 3D content. Thus, one or more disclosedimplementations allow for viewing of 3D content on a broad range ofdisplay devices, even display devices that may have lower frame-ratesand/or lower frame transition periods.

Additionally, implementations of the present invention can also bedescribed in terms of flowcharts comprising one or more acts in a methodfor accomplishing a particular result. Along these lines, FIG. 6illustrates a flowchart of a computerized method of shuttering displayed3D content in response to a shuttering signal. The acts of FIG. 6 aredescribed herein below with respect to the schematics, diagrams, devicesand components shown in FIGS. 1-5.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method 600 is illustrated. The method 600includes acts for controlling a shuttering device, such as theshuttering device 116. The method 600 includes detecting from a useenvironment a set of encoded signals for use in controlling shutteringdevice (act 602). For example, the shuttering device 116 may detect theshuttering signal 204.

The method 600 further includes analyzing the set of encoded signals todetermine an encoding scheme for the set of encoded signals (act 604).For example, the processing component 308 may include functionality foranalyzing the shuttering signal 204 to determine an encoding scheme forthe shuttering signal. In some embodiments, the determination can bemade by comparing the encoded signals 204 to encoding schemes stored inthe storage device 318.

The method 600 further includes prospectively decoding encoded signalsin the environment according to the determined encoding scheme tocontrol the shuttering device (act 606). For example, shuttering signals204 can be decoded, such as for example to determine shutteringinstructions, to control the shuttering components 118 and 120.

The method 600 may be practiced where analyzing the set of encodedsignals to determine an encoding scheme for the set of encoded signalscomprises identifying a four state encoding scheme comprising a left eyeopen, right eye closed state; a left eye closed, right eye open state; aleft eye open, right eye open state; and a left eye closed, right eyeclosed state.

The method 600 may be practiced where detecting a set of encoded signalsincludes detecting infrared signals. Alternatively, the method 600 maybe practiced where detecting a set of encoded signals includes detectingRF signals. The infrared signals may be analog or digital signals. Whenthe signals are digital signals, shuttering instructions may betransmitted in data packets. When the signals are analog signals,shuttering instructions may be transmitted such that detecting signalscomprises detecting frequency shift keyed (FSK) signals. Alternatively,when the signals are analog signals, shuttering instructions may betransmitted such that detecting signals comprises detecting phase shiftkeyed (PSK) signals.

The method 600 may be practiced where detecting a set of encoded signalscomprises detecting Bluetooth signals. In these embodiments, analyzingthe set of encoded signals to determine an encoding scheme for the setof encoded signals may comprises analyzing one or more packets of data.

As noted above, the method 600 may be practiced where analyzing the setof encoded signals to determine an encoding scheme for the set ofencoded signals comprises comparing the detected set of signals toinformation defining encoding schemes stored in a computer readablestorage medium at the shuttering device. For example, comparisons may bemade to encoding schemes store on a storage device 318.

As illustrated above, when the computer readable storage medium does notinclude information defining an encoding scheme that matches thedetected set of signals, some embodiments of the method 600 may bepracticed to further include obtaining the encoding scheme for thedetected set of signals from another entity using a same channel thatthe detected set of signals were transmitted over. For example, FIG. 4Cillustrates an example where an encoded signal 204 is received over thesame channel as the encoding scheme 410.

As illustrated above, when the computer readable storage medium does notinclude information defining an encoding scheme that matches thedetected set of signals, some embodiments of the method 600 may bepracticed to further include obtaining the encoding scheme for thedetected set of signals from another entity using a different channelthan the channel that the detected set of signals were transmitted over.The different channel may include a wired connection such as a USBconnection or wired network connection. For example, the shutteringdevice 116 may be connected to a general purpose computing systemcapable of receiving encoding schemes 410 from a service andtransmitting them to the shuttering device through the wired connection.Alternatively or additionally, the shuttering device may be able toconnect to a network 404 through a wired connection to obtain encodingschemes 410 from a service 406.

Alternatively or additionally, the different channel may include awireless channel, such as a Bluetooth connection or wireless networkconnection. Examples of such a system are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and4B.

The implementations of the present invention can comprise a specialpurpose or general-purpose computing systems. Computing systems may, forexample, be handheld devices, appliances, laptop computers, desktopcomputers, mainframes, distributed computing systems, or even devicesthat have not conventionally considered a computing system, such as DVDplayers, Blu-Ray Players, gaming systems, and video converters. In thisdescription and in the claims, the term “computing system” is definedbroadly as including any device or system (or combination thereof) thatincludes at least one physical and tangible processor, and a physicaland tangible memory capable of having thereon computer-executableinstructions that may be executed by the processor.

The memory may take any form and may depend on the nature and form ofthe computing system. A computing system may be distributed over anetwork environment and may include multiple constituent computingsystems. In its most basic configuration, a computing system typicallyincludes at least one processing unit and memory. The memory may bephysical system memory, which may be volatile, non-volatile, or somecombination of the two. The term “memory” may also be used herein torefer to non-volatile mass storage such as physical storage media. Ifthe computing system is distributed, the processing, memory and/orstorage capability may be distributed as well. As used herein, the term“module” or “component” can refer to software objects or routines thatexecute on the computing system. The different components, modules,engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects orprocesses that execute on the computing system (e.g., as separatethreads).

Implementations of the present invention may comprise or utilize aspecial purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware,such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, asdiscussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent invention also include physical and other computer-readablemedia for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/ordata structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available mediathat can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computersystem. Computer-readable media that store computer-executableinstructions are physical storage media. Computer-readable media thatcarry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, byway of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the invention cancomprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readablemedia: computer storage media and transmission media.

Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired programcode means in the form of computer-executable instructions or datastructures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer.

A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable thetransport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modulesand/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred orprovided over a network or another communications connection (eitherhardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to acomputer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmissionmedium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data linkswhich can be used to carry or desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinationsof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program codemeans in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structurescan be transferred automatically from transmission media to computerstorage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executableinstructions or data structures received over a network or data link canbe buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”),and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to lessvolatile computer storage media at a computer system. Thus, it should beunderstood that computer storage media can be included in computersystem components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmissionmedia.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. The computerexecutable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediateformat instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may bepracticed in network computing environments with many types of computersystem configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers,laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones,PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The invention may also bepracticed in distributed system environments where local and remotecomputer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links,wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless datalinks) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed systemenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A method of controlling a shuttering device, the method comprising:detecting from a use environment a set of encoded signals for use incontrolling a shuttering device; analyzing the set of encoded signals todetermine an encoding scheme for the set of encoded signals; andprospectively decoding encoded signals in the environment according tothe determined encoding scheme to control the shuttering device.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein analyzing the set of encoded signals todetermine an encoding scheme for the set of encoded signals comprisesidentifying a four state encoding scheme comprising a left eye open,right eye closed state; a left eye closed, right eye open state; a lefteye open, right eye open state; and a left eye closed, right eye closedstate.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting a set of encodedsignals comprises detecting infrared signals.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein detecting infrared signals comprises detecting frequency shiftkeyed (FSK) signals.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein detectinginfrared signals comprises detecting phase shift keyed (PSK) signals 6.The method of claim 1 wherein detecting a set of encoded signalscomprises detecting Bluetooth signals, and wherein analyzing the set ofencoded signals to determine an encoding scheme for the set of encodedsignals comprises analyzing one or more packets of data.
 7. The methodof claim 1 wherein analyzing the set of encoded signals to determine anencoding scheme for the set of encoded signals comprises comparing thedetected set of signals to information defining encoding schemes storedin a computer readable storage medium at the shuttering device.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the computer readable storage medium does notinclude information defining an encoding scheme that matches thedetected set of signals, the method further comprising obtaining theencoding scheme for the detected set of signals from another entityusing a same channel that the detected set of signals were transmittedover.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the computer readable storagemedium does not include information defining an encoding scheme thatmatches the detected set of signals, the method further comprisingobtaining the encoding scheme for the detected set of signals fromanother entity using a different channel than the channel that thedetected set of signals were transmitted over.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein the different channel comprises a wired connection, includingat least one of a USB connection.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein thedifferent channel comprises a wireless channel including at least one ofa Bluetooth connection or wireless network connection.
 12. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the computer readable storage medium does not includeinformation defining an encoding scheme that matches the detected set ofsignals, the method further comprising obtaining the encoding scheme forthe detected set of signals from another entity through a firmwareupdate
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein prospectively decoding encodedsignals in the environment according to the determined encoding schemecomprises decoding in a partially asynchronous manner, such that theshuttering device can be controlled according to the decoding schemeduring periods of intermittent loss of ability to detect encoded signalsin the environment.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein intermittentlosses are caused by loss of a line of sight channel for IR signals. 15.The method of claim 13, wherein the encoded signals are sent over aBluetooth audio interface, and the intermittent losses are caused by anasynchronous nature of the Bluetooth audio interface.
 16. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising, charging the shuttering device using aninductive charging connection between a charger and the shutteringdevice.
 17. A physical computer readable storage medium comprisingcomputer executable instructions that when executed by one or moreprocessors cause the following to be performed: detecting from a useenvironment a set of encoded signals for use in controlling a shutteringdevice; analyzing the set of encoded signals to determine an encodingscheme for the set of encoded signals; and prospectively decodingencoded signals in the environment according to the determined encodingscheme to control the shuttering device.
 18. The physical computerreadable storage medium of claim 17, wherein analyzing the set ofencoded signals to determine an encoding scheme for the set of encodedsignals comprises identifying a four state encoding scheme comprising aleft eye open, right eye closed state; a left eye closed, right eye openstate; a left eye open, right eye open state; and a left eye closed,right eye closed state.
 19. A shuttering device, the shuttering devicecomprising: one or more receivers configured to receive shutteringsignals; one or more processors coupled to the one or more receivers; aplurality of shuttering components coupled to the one or moreprocessors; one or more physical computer readable media coupled to theone or more processors, wherein the one or more physical computerreadable media comprise computer executable instructions that whenexecuted by one or more of the one or more processors causes thefollowing to be performed: using the receiver, detecting from a useenvironment a set of encoded signals for use in controlling a shutteringdevice; analyzing the set of encoded signals to determine an encodingscheme for the set of encoded signals; and prospectively decodingencoded signals in the environment according to the determined encodingscheme to control the plurality of shuttering components of theshuttering device.
 20. The shuttering device of claim 20, whereinanalyzing the set of encoded signals to determine an encoding scheme forthe set of encoded signals comprises identifying a four state encodingscheme comprising a left eye open, right eye closed state; a left eyeclosed, right eye open state; a left eye open, right eye open state; anda left eye closed, right eye closed state.